Abstract: A method of controlling seismic data acquisition may include sending a first message to place a plurality of energy sources into an operating mode; sending a second message to place at least one of plurality of energy sources into a non-operating mode; and sending a third message from at least one energy source to a controller.

Abstract: A method of controlling seismic data acquisition includes synchronizing a sampling rate of at least one node configured to acquire seismic data with a GPS timing signal from a first GPS seismic device; and delaying sending a start signal to one or more seismic sources, the delay being with reference to a GPS timing signal from a second GPS device.

Abstract: A method of controlling communications relating to seismic data acquisition may include synchronizing the start of one or more seismic energy sources via a communication protocol. The protocol may be generated at a seismic recording system, source control software running on a processor, or generated from a seismic energy source encoder. The protocol may consist of an encoder message that includes start information and that is combined with a request for information contained at the seismic energy source. The requested information may be sent in a decoder message that is returned in synchronized manner.